Gifts Showcase Indian Artistry and Craftsmanship
During his time in Japan, Prime Minister Modi presented thoughtful gifts to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his spouse, yoshiko Ishiba. The presents highlighted India’s rich artistic traditions and craftsmanship.
To Prime Minister Ishiba, Modi gifted a set of Ramen Bowls with Chopsticks. This exquisite collection featured vintage precious stone bowls with silver chopsticks, a fusion of Indian artistry and japanese culinary customs. The set included a large brown moonstone bowl accompanied by four smaller ones and silver chopsticks, inspired by Japanese donburi and soba rituals.
The moonstone, sourced from Andhra Pradesh, is known for its adularescent glow and symbolism of love, balance, and protection. The base of the main bowl was crafted from Makrana marble, intricately inlaid with semi-precious stones in Rajasthan’s conventional parchin kari style.
Did you know?-The moonstone gifted to Prime Minister Ishiba is from Andhra Pradesh, India. It’s prized for its adularescent glow, a shimmering optical effect. The stone symbolizes love, balance, and protection, adding deeper meaning to the gift.
For Yoshiko ishiba, Prime minister Modi presented a Pashmina shawl enclosed in a papier-mâché box. The shawl, made from the fine wool of Ladakh’s Changthangi goats, is globally recognized for its lightness, softness, and warmth. Handwoven by Kashmiri artisans, it represents a centuries-old tradition once favored by royalty. The shawl itself features an ivory base adorned with delicate floral and paisley patterns in rust,pink,and red,embodying classic Kashmiri design.
The hand-painted papier-mâché box, decorated with floral and bird motifs, added to the shawl’s cultural value and aesthetic appeal. Together, these gifts symbolize Kashmir’s artistry, heritage, and enduring elegance.
pro tip:-Pashmina shawls are renowned for their quality. Look for the “Changthangi” goat wool origin. Authentic shawls are handwoven by skilled artisans, often featuring intricate designs. This gift represents a rich cultural exchange.
Earlier on friday, Prime Minister Modi received a traditional Daruma doll from Rev Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple in Takasaki-Gunma. The doll is considered a symbol of good luck.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that this gesture underscored the deep civilizational and spiritual connections between India and Japan.
reader question:-What do you think is the most notable aspect of these gifts? Do you believe they effectively represent the cultural exchange between India and Japan? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Japan on Saturday, August 30, 2025, before embarking on a two-day trip to China for the SCO Summit.
